Headstart ABI Services

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Newcastle, NSW
Headstart ABI Services

The Hunter and Central Coast’s ABI experts for 37+ yrs, assisting people with acquired brain injury.

Operating in the Hunter for the past 37 years, Headstart ABI provides specialised support services for people living with an acquired brain injury.

20/11/2025

What an awesome day at Headstart – we had our very own petting zoo onsite! 🐾🐔🐴

Everyone got the chance to pat and hold guinea pigs, rabbits, ducks, sheep, a calf, chickens… and of course, Lucy the pony, who even took a tour through the office (and left a little ‘gift’ behind 🤭🧹)

Mary said, “That was the best Rec day I’ve ever done!”
Jason told us, “The animals were so cute.”
Brenden: “I enjoyed it it was something different.” … as well as “the lamb would be better for lunch than the duck.”... in true Brenden humour 😆.

After all the animal cuddles, we fired up the BBQ with consumers helping prep the food – a perfect way to finish a great morning.

A big thumbs up for animal therapy and good laughs all around! Thanks to Thank you Penny's Ponies & Pets 👍🧡🐾

19/11/2025

Big milestone for Jay! 🚗🎉

Jay is now the proud owner of a Toyota Corolla Sport! After getting his licence 6 months ago and relying on buses, he’s finally enjoying the independence of having his own wheels.

“It feels beautiful driving again! It makes a big difference to be independent.”

No more waiting at bus stops as Jay can take his 6-year-old son out to the beach, Oakdale Farm and all their favourite spots. After overcoming challenges from a stroke and managing seizures, being back behind the wheel is a huge achievement for Jay! 💙

18/11/2025

🎄 Tis the season for crafting! 🎁 We had an awesome Christmas-themed woodworking day with the talented crew from the Men's Shed. Olivia said it best: “I really enjoy crafts — I get into the zone when I paint.” 🖌

Thanks to the Newcastle Mens Shed Inc for another creative and fun day! 🙌 They were absolute legends, taking requests for all sorts of wooden animals and festive creations — and helping us make some beautiful toys and decorations just in time for the holidays!

17/11/2025

🌊 Make Waves This Summer – Join Our Team! 🌞

Looking for a role where you can make a real splash? At Headstart, we support people with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) to live life their way – from hitting the beach 🏖️ to exploring their local community.

We’re on the hunt for motivated, fun, and flexible support workers who can dive in and help people reach their goals. If you have initiative, creativity, and a sense of adventure, we want you to join our team!

💦 What you’ll do:
• Support people with ABI to develop independence and life skills
• Break down barriers to community participation
• Bring energy, innovation, and encouragement to every activity
🏊 Why join us?
Because life’s better when you’re making waves, helping someone navigate new horizons, and turning every day into an ocean of opportunities.
Come alongside someone with an ABI and help them achieve their goals – together we can make a real splash in the community!

📩 Apply now and dive into this rewarding journey! https://headstart-abi.com.au/jobs

14/11/2025

Stroke survivor Mark's life changed dramatically and now has a small companion dog, a Jack Russell Terrier named Logan. More than a pet, Logan is unconditional love wrapped in fur, with a very big personality!

“Before Logan I was angry, frustrated and lonely. Now I feel happy and relaxed,” says Mark who had a stroke bricklaying on a Sydney job site in 2003. Living with aphasia and dyspraxia makes communication a daily challenge, but with technology, determination, and support, he’s rebuilt a life filled with connection. His iPad helps him share his thoughts, but it’s Logan (along with his support worker, also named Mark) who brings joy, routine, and companionship to every day.

Together they get out into the community – coffee at the beach, shopping trips, cheering on the South Sydney Rabbitohs, or simply watching TV with Logan curled up on his lap.

Despite big challenges, Mark’s strength, independence, and sense of humour shine through. His story is a powerful reminder of the impact of resilience, support, and the unconditional love of a four-legged friend. 🐕👌

Mark’s story highlights the meaningful role pets can play as companions. Beyond joy and companionship, pets can support emotional wellbeing, encourage social connection, and help people living with disability feel more engaged and independent in their daily lives.

👉Read Mark's full story in our latest September NewsLink 🤓: http://bit.ly/4pRVvaY

👉Subscribe to our quarterly NewsLink and get all the lates news, views and stories straight to your inbox: http://bit.ly/4pMz5rL

13/11/2025

Rec had an awesome and informative day yesterday with the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group 🚍

We started with a presentation and bus tour through the facility, learning all about the history and operations of the coal terminal. “It was excellent to actually find out how it all runs considering I’ve driven past it plenty over the years. I was impressed!” said Phil.

A big thanks to the amazing team at NCIG for being so welcoming and taking the time to answer all our questions — the presenters were fantastic and made it such an engaging experience! 👏

12/11/2025

Yesterday was absolutely stunning down at Blacksmiths breakwall where our Rec group caught some sun - and possibly could have caught some fish! ☀️ 🎣 The exercise was by lunch and pool at the newly renovated Belmont Hotel . Such a great day out! 🍽️🎱 /

11/11/2025

We are ever thankful for the service and sacrifice of so many for our protection, freedom and peace. Lest we forget.

10/11/2025

Our Community Education Team — Darren, Ricki-Lee and Colin — recently visited Cessnock PCYC to share their lived experiences of acquired brain injury. The session was part of an empathy-based program run by local police for young people, helping them better understand the impact of brain injury, living with a disability and the importance of looking after themselves and others. Top job as always CET! 🙌

09/11/2025

At Rec this week, Jason got creative with his lunch — making a very unusual sandwich with peanut butter, mandarins, pasta sauce, Grain Waves and lemon! 🥪😄 The whole group joined in the fun, helping pick the ingredients and cheering him on to take a bite. Jason loves coming up with quirky food combos, and this one definitely takes the cake (or the sandwich)! 👏🍋

08/11/2025

🎶 Last day of our Choir & Percussion workshop this week — and what a finale! 🎵

CSW Chris guided everyone through exploring their voices, making music together, learning percussion beats, and finding that perfect rhythm as a group.

🥁 Phil shared, “I really enjoyed the percussion and creating one sound with everyone together.”

🥁 Rob added, “It was great to do some drumming again — I used to play the drums before my accident.”
Fantastic work, team — you’ve all got the groove! ✨✨

07/11/2025

David asked CSW Mark to join him once again for his annual holiday to Coffs Harbour to catch up with family. “I look forward to this holiday every year!” says David. 👌 The two also visited nearby Glenreagh, where David grew up, and enjoyed some sightseeing around the area. 📸 😎

Address

95 Turnbull Street
Newcastle, NSW
2303

Telephone

+61249654420

Website

http://www.headstart-abi.com.au/

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Our story

When it comes to brain injury… we get it! Servicing the Hunter and Central Coast since 1987.

Our difference is our expertise. Headstart is a specialist service supporting the choices and independence of people with an acquired brain injury (ABI). Brain injury is complex and can challenge every aspect of your life - movement, talking, thinking and feeling. Even though every person might be affected differently, we understand brain injury, the barriers and the invisible nature of the injury.

Our Approach:

1. Whatever it takes - we strive to find creative solutions that suit you.